Youth Futures – A vital support for brighter futures
Moving to Nelson with her cats, enjoying the breathtaking scenery of this unique little town, and helping other kids who are struggling: that’s Yanna’s ideal picture of her future, and her eyes light up when she describes it with a shy smile. Although it’s a simple plan today, it used to be a distant dream. […]
Be the change you want to see
Ever since she was a little girl, Elanis knew she wanted to make a difference with her life. Her experience as a toddler in foster care, and the difficulties she faced when she was adopted at the age of 6, inspired her passion to become a social worker. “I want to be there for children […]
Province of British Columbia invests $250,000 in Youth Futures Education Fund
Every year, over 800 youth transition out of government care. Many dream of pursuing post-secondary education but that goal often seems unattainable without proper supports. While BC’s Tuition Waiver Program covers tuition and mandatory fees for eligible students attending one of 25 public post-secondary institutions, the Native Education College or 10 Union Institutes across British […]
Fueling a creative future
Acting, music, writing, digital art and animation: if it involves creativity, Star is all-in! It started back in Grade 3 when she picked up a pen, wanting to be a novelist. “I’ve always been a big creative,” says the 26-year-old Burnaby resident. Currently, she is working on her reel, a video resume of her skills […]
Youth Futures disburses $600,000 to youth aging into community
Twenty-one-year-old Simranjit – Sim – has her sights set on a PhD in psychology. Her courage, support from helpful high school guidance counsellors and the Youth Futures Education Fund (YFEF), which provides support for basic living expenses like food, rent and internet, mean she’s on her way to success. “Psychology sparked my interest because I have a […]
Re-found connections fuel dream career
As a child in care, Michelle* had few items to call her own. One, a sealskin purse, crisscrossed Canada with her dozens of times between Newfoundland and Labrador and BC. The memento saw her through life as a single teen mom struggling to raise her children. Today, settled in northern BC with her family and pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work degree through University of Victoria distance learning, the 42-year-old says the good luck charm serves as a reminder of how […]
A passion for education and life helps build art therapy career
Twenty-seven-year-old Sage is a Ceramics student at Selkirk College’s Kootenay School of the Arts in Nelson in Southeastern BC. As a former youth in care, she held off pursuing post-secondary education for many years. “When it came to college and university, I kind of freaked out. School is so expensive, it didn’t seem like a realistic option for me,” she says. Along with […]
On track for success – United Way invests unprecedented $350K to support youth
Nineteen-year-old Jodi loves school. She’s learning new things, meeting new people and planning for a bright future as she pursues her degree through the Child and Youth Care program at Douglas College in New Westminster. It was something that was almost unimaginable for her as a child. “I knew when we had no food. I […]